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rheren's review
3.0
This was an interesting read because I've always wanted to read something by Joel Osteen, having heard so much about him but not having anything first-hand to go off of. This book was not nearly so bad as I'd been led to believe by his detractors, but also felt rather incomplete. It's a very encouraging book if you need a shot in the arm, and I liked his perspective on most of the topics he talked about. Some of the chapters in the middle on the sovereignty of God and the purpose of trials were quite good. Overall, though, the book is much too me-centered and not enough God-centered, and I would say that is undoubtedly the book's biggest flaw.
pillywiggin's review
5.0
This is definitely a book worth reading. It has impacted my life in a positive manner. The ideas presented are backed up and explained by using Biblical principles and passages, but one does not need to be a Christian in order to gain insight and help from this book. I completed the companion study guide as I read, and it really helped translate the ideas in the book concretely to my own experiences.
tamaralgage1's review
4.0
A few years ago a friend handed me this book. I have started and stopped many times due to other books jumping the line. Finally, I placed the book on the table to read each morning with my tea or before bed. Just a few pages gave me something to ponder. So just a few pages at a time, I have finally finished. In these pages, the author has shared stories, scripture, and word of wisdom to live the life God wants for us all. These stories are grouped into steps:
7 Steps to Your Best Life Now
1. Enlarge Your Vision
2. Develop a Healthy Self-Image
3. Discover the Power of your Thoughts
4. Let go of the past
5. Find strength through adversity
6. Live to Give
7. Choose to be happy
My book (yes I have bought my own copy) is marked up and highlighted. This makes an excellent daily reader in short segments.
7 Steps to Your Best Life Now
1. Enlarge Your Vision
2. Develop a Healthy Self-Image
3. Discover the Power of your Thoughts
4. Let go of the past
5. Find strength through adversity
6. Live to Give
7. Choose to be happy
My book (yes I have bought my own copy) is marked up and highlighted. This makes an excellent daily reader in short segments.
klabardee's review
4.0
Regardless of what others may think of Joel Osteen, this guy is a master of positive thinking! His enthusiasm and optimism are infectious - which I thin k we all could use more of! He helps the reader develop skills of gratitude and reframing, which are powerful! He may not be for everyone, but I value what he has to say!
gwendolynstorey's review
3.0
Joel Osteen’s book was filled with positivity and messages of kindness of hope, making it a feel-good read. I usually chose to start my day with a chapter, and found it helped me start the day with a happy mindset. I specifically appreciated that, unlike other manifestation manuals, this book rarely insinuated that when bad things happen it’s the person’s fault. God just has a different plan.
My trouble with the message comes in when Osteen starts talking about healing cancer through prayer and a smile. I bought the book to give to a friend who is an Osteen fan, and began to worry what kind of message this was spreading. Yes, I agree that being filled with gratitude will bring lots of positivity in your life. But I worry when messages such as the one above are spread. It glosses over the fact that the Osteen family is ridiculously wealthy and probably had access to some of the best doctors in Houston, an incredibly developed city in, one could argue, one of the most developed countries. What does this say about those whose cancer isn’t cured? How would Osteen have told the story differently if his mother hadn’t lived?
Osteen speaks with a voice of authority that, again, I think is mostly used for good. But I worry about people reading/listening and trusting that authority on all things, without questioning deeper or recognizing the things they have access to beyond prayers and positivity.
My trouble with the message comes in when Osteen starts talking about healing cancer through prayer and a smile. I bought the book to give to a friend who is an Osteen fan, and began to worry what kind of message this was spreading. Yes, I agree that being filled with gratitude will bring lots of positivity in your life. But I worry when messages such as the one above are spread. It glosses over the fact that the Osteen family is ridiculously wealthy and probably had access to some of the best doctors in Houston, an incredibly developed city in, one could argue, one of the most developed countries. What does this say about those whose cancer isn’t cured? How would Osteen have told the story differently if his mother hadn’t lived?
Osteen speaks with a voice of authority that, again, I think is mostly used for good. But I worry about people reading/listening and trusting that authority on all things, without questioning deeper or recognizing the things they have access to beyond prayers and positivity.
dommdy's review
1.0
DNF. I don’t want prosperity preaching. I want more spiritually, not more stuff or worldly success. At least I don’t want those things to be my focus.
osoordinary's review
4.0
Wow! It took me three years to read this book! I started it in March 2013! Overall, I enjoyed this book quite a bit. Joel was repetitive throughout the first half - I got the gist of the positive thoughts, positive results thing pretty quickly. I put it down and picked it up several times and every time I picked it up I read what I needed to read. Don't get me wrong, he said some ridiculous stuff sometimes - human things - like pray for a good parking spot - UHM! NO! haha But you can sense that he's genuine in his beliefs and he's a positive, smiley guy. I got some really helpful stuff from this book. If you're looking for encouragement - that sense that you're talking to friend - give it a try.
heartall9bks's review
5.0
Every bit as good as it was when first released. There is so much encouragement in this book to live a life that is full of joy, blessing, and goodness.